WIANEWS for WEEK COMMENCING FEBRUARY 5 2017
 

FEBRUARY 5 2017 - VK NATIONAL NEWS BROADCAST ON VK1WIA


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NATIONAL NEWS FOR WEEK COMMENCING FEBRUARY 5 2017.
IN OUR 22nd YEAR OF NON STOP NEWS


WIA, Statistics point to a slow decline in licence numbers. -

WIA, Have Your Say facility. -

WIA, from the fact sheet files. -

WIA, Mmembership initiative for the newly licensed, and changes to renewals. -

WIA, at the Central Coast Field Day Wyong. -

WIA, this news pirated and pops up on old ABC channel.



THESE STORIES AND MORE IN THIS EDITION OF NEWS FROM THE WIRELESS INSTITUTE
OF AUSTRALIA 2017 AND FOR WEEK OF FEB 09


AROUND VK

CQ CQ CQ Aeronautical Mobile

The carrier QANTAS is testing the National Broadband Network satellite on its
aircraft to prove viability of the service.

Air travellers on a few QANTAS jet routes domestically will benefit from a
proof-of-concept experiment over the next nine months. This gives access to
email, social media, a movie, shopping online and even watching football live.

Wonder if it will also result in QSOs being made via EchoLink, or remote
controlled amateur stations while aeronautical mobile?
(vk3pc)



The Lake Boga Flying Boat Base anniversary

Plenty of action is planned on March 17 to 19 for the 75th anniversary of WWII
Royal Australian Airforce base in northwest Victoria.

Seaplanes will land on Lake Boga, and the program includes a Catalina fly past,
the RAAF Roulettes, aerobatics and displays. The communications bunker at the
museum site will be on air thanks to Thomas Brownstein VK3EO, supported by
other local radio amateurs.

You may remember its last major activation was the VI 3 ANZAC activation on
the ANZAC weekend of 2015.

More details of the upcoming Lake Boga Flying Boat Base anniversary can be
expected on a future broadcast
(vk3pc)



The Rev Dr Wayne Melrose has been awarded the OAM for services to Science and Chaplaincy.

The good Reverend Doctor is better known in our Ham Radio circles as VK4WDM

VK4WDM Wayne, apart from being an avid digital DXer on all bands has done
parasite research in the tropics to improve the living conditions
of millions of people (partially funded by the Gates Foundation) plus
he still does the Chaplaincy role from time to time even though retired - AND
he is one of a few people making sure there is a RAAF Museum now and into the future in Townsville
(VK2ZRH VK4ZZ)


WIA BOARD TALK

Statistics point to a slow but steady decline in licence numbers

Amateur Radio has always needed newcomers so it can to grow.

Marc Hillman VK3OHM has analysed how licences numbers have been tracking over
the period 2005 to 2016, and has identified a slow decline in overall numbers
for the past five years.

In 2016 there were 14,619 licenses held, that is down about 100 licences or
0.7 per cent from the 2015 year.

Foundation Licence and Standard licences both bucked the trend.

Foundation licences increased by 18 to 2476, (there has always been a high
churn-rate in foundation licenses).

The middle grade, the Standard licence, had a very slight growth, largely
helped up by people upgrading from the Foundation Licence.

The overall decline in licence numbers is due to a decline in Advanced
licenses in every year between 2005 - 2016. The 'silent key factor' obviously
plays a part here - there have been about 80 silent keys per year in recent times.

The data also shows that 485 people joined the hobby last year, by all means
- assessments, previously holding a licence, reciprocal licencing, and
recognition of prior learning - again a decline compared to previous years.

This general decline in licence numbers is why the WIA is advocating to
modernise and improve Amateur Radio through its suggested changes to the
Licence Condition Determination, making it more attractive to existing, lapsed
and future radio amateurs.

For example, the original aim of the Foundation Licence was as a stepping
stone or entry point, giving people a real taste of Amateur Radio and the fun it provides.

There must be a relativity between the three grades of licence - Foundation,
Standard and Advanced - to encourage upgrading, but the Foundation Licence
has not kept up with technology. In particular the practice and nature of
Amateur Radio now includes a host of digital modes, allowing voice, text and images.

The WIA is using these statistics as part of its advocacy to ensure
Amateur Radio's place in modern Australian society.
ON ANOTHER ISSUE:-

The WIA wants to encourage members, and radio amateurs generally, to have
their say about important matters affecting them, and the amateur service.

For many years a formal process has been available on the Wireless Institute
of Australia website to encourage comment and consultation on major issues
affecting the Institute, or the hobby generally.

Since 2006, a web form on the "Contact the WIA" page has sent any comments
and suggestions to the WIA National Office, WIA President or WIA Webmaster.
This online form has been regularly used by WIA members and non-members alike.

Now, the WIA has introduced a new facility for more specific purposes, when
consultation is to be sought on an issue. This is called the "Have Your Say"
facility, and it will be "open" during the consultation period on specific issues.

For example, the WIA has both the draft Volunteer Charter, and the revision
of the HF Band Plans out now for consultation until 28 February.

Those topics are discussed on the WIA website, together with a link to the
"Have Your Say" feedback page. The WIA is looking for your feedback on these issues.

This is Phil Wait, VK2ASD for the WIA.



From the WIA Fact Sheet file

The Wireless Institute of Australia has established policies, regulations
and procedures, which the WIA Board reviews regularly.

The main policies are those on: Corporate Ethics, Privacy, Premises Rental
Usage, Storage, and Club Advertising in Amateur Radio magazine.

The Corporate Ethics Policy was developed by a corporate lawyer, covering the
issues of governance, conflict of interest, ethics, integrity, conduct and
courtesy, confidentiality, media inquiries, good practice, legal compliance,
bribery, corruption, equal employment opportunity, drug abuse and corporate communications.

The WIA Privacy Policy has been updated to ensure it covers the Privacy Act
and the Australian Communications and Media Authority's requirements.

There are also Regulations that support two topics in the WIA Constitution.
These are on conduct of Elections for the WIA Board, and Criteria for a club
affiliation with the Institute.

In 2016, the WIA Board endorsed its Premises Rental Usage and Storage policy.

It has drafted a Volunteer Charter in the lead up to a restructure of its
Committee system, and trialling of formal consultation with members and the
radio amateur community has commenced.

Mainly for employee guidance, a set of nearly 40 processes and procedures were
developed late in 2015 to document how things are done in the National Office.
In addition, employee rights and obligations are enshrined in various legislation.

The WIA Exam Service is governed by a legal deed between the ACMA and the WIA
(effectively, a business contract), and operations are governed by a set of
business rules that are subordinate to the Deed. Regular reporting of
performance compliance is included.

Every Office operation relating to the Exam Service has been documented, and
these were reviewed over 2015-16.

Callsign Recommendations policies and procedures have been in place since 2009.

The WIA is a public company under the Corporations Act 2001, with an ACN
number issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
Regular reporting is required under the Act, and the WIA meets is statutory obligations.

A set of WIA Fact Sheets can be found on the WIA website, wia.org.au



WIA membership initiative for the newly licensed, and changes to renewals

The coupon system for new radio amateurs that allows access to the on-line
version of Amateur Radio magazine is now in its implementation stage.

A coupon to have limited access to the digital magazine is intended to
encourage new entrants into the hobby to join the Institute. Coupons are
currently being printed.

The WIA Board is concerned about dwindling membership, and has set about
implementing processes to address this issue.

This is a complex problem and the WIA Board is looking at possible ways to
encourage new members to join, as well as existing members to renew membership.

The office routine for issuing membership reminder and final reminder notices
has been upgraded, from monthly to two weekly.

This has created some overlap between payments made and reminder notices
arriving in the letterbox.

The first renewal notice is sent by email, and following reminder notices via Australia Post.

Please make sure that your email is correct in Memnet or you will not receive
the first renewal notice.

WIA cannot guarantee timely Australia Post-delivery since the service reduction last year.



This is WIA Director Roger Harrison VK2ZRH with news about the Central Coast Field Day at Wyong.

Yes, folks ! The annual Field Day at Wyong is back - on Sunday 26th of
February, right near Wyong train station.

The WIA will have a few tables there - upstairs, near the lecture theatre.
Come and pay us a visit. Get yourself a copy of the 2017 Callbook, if you need one.

We will also have other books for your interest and reading pleasure.
No batteries or power cord required !

And you can renew your membership or sign up for membership.

On top of that, we're happy to have an eyeball QSO, if you're so inclined.

As the WIA tables will be near the lecture theatre, remember that the annual
VHF-UHF-Microwave and weak signal group annual get-together will open for
business at 11:15 am, conducted by yours truly. Immediately following, will be
Peter Young VK3MV, Director of the Region 3 International Amateur Radio Union
Association - the IARU. He'll be talking on the international governance of
amateur radio and the role of the IARU. Peter has delivered this lecture in
Hong Kong and Tokyo, as well as a number of amateur radio clubs in Melbourne.

Entry to the Field Day is only ten dollars and the entertainment is all free on the inside !

Remember. Wyong Field Day, Sunday 26th February. See you there ?

This has been WIA Director Roger Harrison VK2ZRH.



INTERNATIONAL NEWS With thanks to IARU, RSGB, SARL, Southgate AR Club, ARRL,
Amateur Radio Newsline, NZART, VK1, 2, 3, and VK7WI Local News Services, VK3PC
and the WW sources of the WIA.


Across the USA, a station-hopping relay has recreated the January 27 1917
route of the first formal Amateur Radio transcontinental message bound
for ARRL Headquarters.

This method of traffic handling is in the DNA of the then-nascent national
organization for Amateur Radio's name American Radio Relay League.

Kent Trimble, K9ZTV, organized the January 27 commemoration, in which a
message originating at W6UE in LA, hopped to K8ZTT in Denver; to W9ABD
in Missouri; to KT2D in Albany, New York, and finally to W1AW.

The commemorative event chose 160 meters, as it was the band closest to the
200-meter wavelength used for the original accomplishment.

"The spirits of 6EA 9ZF 9ABD 2AGJ and 1ZM send commemorative greetings
on the 100th anniversary of first transcontinental relay of formal message
traffic 73," read the message, which, for a signature, included the
call signs and locations of the stations involved in the recreation.



Some Lithium-ion batteries may be fire-prone

We brought you a report last week that the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smart phones
had faulty batteries from two suppliers and they caused fires.

Now Hewlett Packard has announced a recall of more than 100,000 lithium-ion
batteries in its notebook laptops, because of possible overheating. The recall
notice has more details, but it affects certain HP notebooks sold between
March 2013 and October 2016.



Sales of cars outfitted with digital radios hits new milestone in the UK

More than 80% of the just on 2.7 MILLION new cars sold in the U.K. last year
featured the latest digital radios, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says.

SMMT says 2.28 million new cars were outfitted with digital radios as
standard equipment, marking the first time the 2 million mile-stone
has been reached, according to wardsauto.com



Retooled VOA set to be Trump-run US state media network

MSNBC Reporter Rachel Maddow has a video report on how a restructuring of
the Voice Of America broadcast network means that President Donald Trump
has the unique opportunity to staff a state-run media operation broadcasting
inside the United States.

The Duration of the video is just on 7 minutes and can be found at the
link we like in this week's text edition at wia.org.au

http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/w...k-862993475674



Your next antenna might be made of liquid

Researchers in the UK are looking to develop liquid antennas, which have the
potential to transform radiocommunications and radar.

Water can be used as an antenna; however, it has the problem of becoming
solid once the temperature falls below zero.

The research will bring together radio experts and material scientists
to identify the most suitable liquid materials. Those liquids will be tested
for loss, thermal and mechanical stability, ability to work in temperatures
ranging from -30 to +60C, ability to transmit in the right frequency ranges
(from kHz to GHz) and with RF and microwave power ranges up to 100 kW.

The project will also explore how to design compact and efficient liquid
antennas for a wide range of real-world applications.

radiocomms.com.au/content/industry/news/your-next-antenna-might-be-made-of-liquid-583870777



HAM RADIO OPERATIONAL NEWS - IT'S A CONTACT SPORT

All major Australian contests, rules and results, are on the
Contest Section of the WIA website.

wia.org.au/members/contests/about



2017

Jan 1 - Dec 31 The Victorian Local Government Award 2017 Challenge

RSGB 80th Commonwealth Contest 11 and 12 March for 24 hours FROM 10.00 GMT.

Ham Radio On The Ferries 12th of March

WIA's John Moyle Memorial Field Day 18th-19th March 2017

WIA's Harry Angel Memorial 80 meter sprint Saturday May 6 10:00 -11:46 UTC

May 13-15 Mills On The Air

VK SHIRES June 10 and 11.

Trans-Tasman Low-Band Contest 160/80/40 Saturday night July 15 and Start Time
is 08:00 UTC and finish time is 14:00 UTC


10-10 INTERNATIONAL SUMMER CONTEST Aug 5 - 6

WIA's Flagship contest the Remembrance Day Contest 12th & 13th August

Aug 19-20 ILLW the 3rd full weekend in August since 1998

IARU High Speed Telegraphy world championships are 8th to 12th September.

October CQ WW DX / SSB CONTEST (always Octobers Last full weekend)

Running ALL year 'til Dec 31 Victorian Local Government Award 2017 Challenge


EI DX Group

Members of the EI DX Group are DXpeditioning to to Nepal, March 8to 20
will see this 11 man, all Echo India team run up to 5 stations from 80 metres
through 10 metres on CW, SSB & Digital.

Nepal is currently number 91 Most Wanted DXCC in the world and an amazing
number 31 most wanted in North America.

Operating from a QTH at 5,600' above sea level, the team are looking forward to intense pile-ups.

For full information, please visit their website 9n7ei.com



VI 100 TRF

Rotarians of Amateur Radio (ROAR) in Australia hit the HF bands for 3 months
from late February to May, with the special event callsign VI 100 T R F. This
to highlight the Rotary Foundation's work over the past 100 years.



BELGIUM, ON.
Lions Clubs International Belgian Amateur Radio operators are QRV as OR 100 LCI
until March 2017 to mark its 100th anniversary.

Activity is on the HF bands using CW, SSB and RTTY.
QSL via ON 8 Z



OC-177.

A group of Indonesian operators will be active as YE 0 S from Sebira Island,
north of the Jakarta City, between March 20-27th.

The Sebira Island is the outer-most island of Jakarta Special Capital City
District of the Republic of Indonesia.

Activity will be on 160-6 meters using CW, SSB and the Digital modes.

An Online QSL Request Service (OQRS) will be used for this DXpedition.


HATS OFF TO MEK

Mek has told the DX community via dxnews.com that he will be active from
Panama 12 - 15 February 2017 as HP/SQ 3 RX.

He will operate on HF Bands mainly CW from Volcan city, Panama.

QSL via home call which is of course SQ 3 RX

And if you want a direct QSL: Read this week's text edition of this the WIA
National News Broadcast.

Przemek Wojtysiak, Ul. Gorowska 6, 64-100 Leszno, Poland.


The callsign OA 0 MP has been issued by the Peruvian authorities for use
from the 'Machu Picchu' Antarctic Base on King George Island in the South
Shetlands until the 31st of March 2017. 2 members of the scientific team will
operate during their spare time on 20m and 40m SSB. QSL via OA 4 O.



MEDIA WATCH

Hi GraHam VK4BB back and this VK1WIA Ham Radio News audio I produce and
present weekly comes up in some odd places - including a pirate transmission
who took over one of the ABC NT's defunct frequencies last Wednesday night.

Unfortunately the YouTube clip points to a Ham Radio transmitter being used,
the choice of LSB on HF (an amateur habit which excludes those tuning in on USB only Codans etc)

We would prefer to stick to the Amateur Radio channels Mr. Pirate !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8_0IAGm0B4


This week we continue last week's look at the WIA journal, Amateur Radio magazine

On the front of the January/February edition is 'Melbourne QRP by the Bay'
at Chelsea beach - while inside Peter Parker VK3YE reports on it being a
success for QRPers and homebrewers.

The WIA Comment by President Phil Wait VK2ASD looks at the WIA Board changes,
the unsuccessful call for a General Meeting, and the election of all seven
directors. He concludes; that only a strong WIA can properly represent the
interests of radio amateurs to the government and industry, continue licensing
new amateurs, and support the radio amateur community in many diverse ways.

In a product review Peter Hartfield VK3PH looks at the FT2D 144 and 430 MHz
handheld, which has GPS, APRS, WIRES-X and C4FM digital.

The Flex Maestro software-defined-radio review is by Brian Morgan VK7RR; while
homebrewer Drew Diamond VK3XU has a Class-D 100 Watt AM Transmitter for 7 MHz.

At the other end of the spectrum is the 'Norfolk Island Microwave Jaunt',
written by Keith Gooley VK5OQ and Roger Harrison VK2ZRH - and includes the
10 GHz Record achieved.

The Marconi Hut Mast erected by the Geelong Amateur Radio Club gets a
WIA Special-Purpose Grant to acknowledge the club's work at the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum.

The WIA annual general weekend meeting themed as: 'Inspiring leadership, the
future of Amateur Radio' - is at Hahndorf, South Australia in May - with
David Clegg VK5KC giving details - for bookings please see the WIA website.

In the SOTA & Parks column by Allen Harvie VK3ARH we congratulate Warren Brown
VK3BYD our first CW Mountain Goat.

In DX Talk by Luke Steele VK3HJ, the 40 metres band has had good signals from all over the world.

In Technical Advisory Committee Notes, John Martin VK3KM writes about the
HF Band Plan revision and a number of proposals. If you use HF; then please have a read.

The IARU Liaison Report explains the many preparations underway for the
World Radiocommunications Conference in 2019.

A wealth of contest information is published, including the 80th Commonwealth
Contest on March 11 and 12, which is the longest running DX contest.

Amateur Radio magazine is a WIA membership service, founded in 1933 and the
only Australian magazine dedicated to our hobby.

This is Barry Robinson VK3PV - and you are listening to VK1WIA.



WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO AMATEUR OLD-TIMERS
http://www.raotc.org.au


Hallo everyone, Yes, we're back again! This is Clive VK6CSW reminding you
that tomorrow, Monday February 6th the Radio Amateurs Old Timers Club of
Australia's monthly bulletin goes to air.

This month as well as all the usual RAOTC news, we begin a series of
abbreviated biographies on some people who made significant contributions
to the development of wireless communications; how LIDAR, light detection
and ranging assists driverless vehicles; and bladeless fans, a hot topic for a hot time of year.

The principal HF transmission will be on 20 metres on 14.150 MHz upper side
band starting at 0100 UTC, beamed north from Melbourne for the eastern states.
An hour later at 0200 UTC there will be a 40 metre transmission from Perth on
7088 kHz lower sideband with a simultaneous transmission via all linked
NewsWest VHF and UHF repeaters.

As well, numerous local relays will take place. Details for your local area
transmissions can be found at the RAOTC website, www.raotc.org.au
And remember as from Tuesday you can download the audio file from this website.

Everyone, RAOTC Members and non-members alike, is invited to enjoy tomorrow's
half hour program and to join the call backs afterwards, and we hope to hear
your call sign amongst them.

73 from Clive VK6CSW.



WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO SCOUTING
http://www.scouts.com.au

Prepare for Thinking Day on the Air

Thinking Day on the Air 2017 will take place over the weekend of 18th and
19th February. This is an opportunity for the members of Girl guiding, from
the youngest Rainbow to the oldest Trefoil Guild member, to talk to other
members of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts all over
the globe via amateur radio.

A list of known stations due to be on the air can be seen on
www.guides-on-the-air.co.uk

Maybe some VKers would like to set up a sched ?

For further information contact Liz Jones, M0ACL by email

(rsgb)



SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP NEWS FOR THOSE WHO FREQUENT OUR NATIONAL PARKS

New KRMNPA 'Merit ' certificates issued

Both Rob Janoska VK4AAC, and Marc Hillman VK3OHM, now have their Keith Roget
Memorial National Parks Award 'Merit' certificates as Hunters.

Rob VK4AAC qualified while in South Australia, and Marc VK3OHM has also logged
all 45 VK3 National Parks - congratulations to both for their dedicated work.



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 in the Lismore region of VK2 say that their WICEN Parrot Repeater
is now operating from the Club-rooms as a store and forward digital and voice repeater.

Duncan VK2DLR provided the upgrade to this WICEN repeater built by VK2ACD.

It has at present a maximum capacity of 3 minutes recording time which
will be extended soon to 30 minutes maximum.

It is available for testing of digital modes, just transmit your signal
and it will be re-played back for you to see how it was received.

146.575MHz, no CTCSS tone. and ANY mode.
(SARC NewsLetter)



Participation appears to be growing in the monthly Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) Region X HF interoperability exercises, which take
place on 60 meters 5,332 and 5,348 kHz on the third Wednesday of each month.

Check-ins include USA state, tribal, federal, and Amateur Radio stations, to
test HF interoperability in an emergency or disaster response.

FEMA Region X is made up of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, but all
stations are welcome.

KG7BQR, Regional Emergency Communications Coordinator for FEMA Region X,
said the January exercise attracted 56 check-ins, 47 of them Amateur Radio
stations. Also checking in were six Army and two Air Force MARS stations,
three SHARES stations, and one FEMA station.

"The propagation that day allowed stations to participate from as far north
as Houston, British Columbia in Canada, as far east as Billings, Montana,
and as far south as California.

The next FEMA Region X HF Interoperability Exercise will take place on
Wednesday, February 15, 1730-1845 UTC.
(arrl)



SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP NEWS VHF AND ABOVE
New records set

A new 47 GHz distance record was made in January between Alan VK3XPD, and
the team of Peter VK3APW and David VK3HZ

The VK3APW and VK3HZ team were originally set up at the Mt Dandenong Lookout,
while VK3XPD drove west to see how far contact could be achieved.

David VK3HZ reports that there were contacts with VK3XPD at Rockbank,
the Pentland Hills, and finally at Mt Buninyong, a distance of 127.1 km.
However the ultimate record came on January 11, with VK3XPD on Mt William
where he had vehicular access permission, and the VK3APW/VK3HZ team were at
Mt Sabine in the Otways. It was a distance of 177.9 km, setting new VK3,
National and Digital Mode records.

All contacts were very readable. Later after checking the claims they were
confirmed by the WIA Records Judge John VK3KM.

The trio, after exploring the microwaves, all headed home - somewhat sunburnt and tired.

In another record set, there was a 432 MHz Digital Earth-Moon-Earth contact
Allan VK4EME to Pedro EB2FJN, on November 22, a distance of more than 17316 km.
(Jim Linton VK3PC)


SOCIAL SCENE 2017

Activity details on the WIA calendar & broadcast

Clubs are always eager to invite attendance at their HamFest, other major
events, and even monthly meetings.

These details are welcomed by the WIA Online Calendar that is available to all affiliated clubs.

Brief basic details of Hamfests are also submitted to the weekly WIA broadcast
through VK1WIA on Sundays, but due to licence restrictions the names or
details of commercial traders are not included on air.

To see the Online Calendar please visit the WIA website.

To hear what we have on this news...listen up!



Feb 19th VK3 HAMFEST Western and Northern District Amateur Radio Club 10am
Werribee Masonic centre 223 Watton St, Werribee.


Feb 26th Central Coast Field Day, WYONG enter at 8:30am (vk2dls)


It's only THREE WEEKS now to Wyong Field day!

Of course the CCARC will be welcoming the usual back-of-ute, combi or
car-boot, Flea Market sellers who will stay all day but what about those
of you who just one to sell a couple of pieces of gear, perhaps to raise
some money to buy the latest and greatest? Well this year as there will be no
charge for a position in the Flea Market, you can park in the normal car park,
pay your entrance fee ($10 or under 17 years of age free), take your stuff
to sell and perhaps your own picnic table, chair and umbrella, find a spot
and sell your stuff to the crowds of visitors. Whether it takes 5 minutes or
3 hours to sell your gear, you are very welcome.



This'll of course mean that visitors will want to check the flea market area
several times during the day for the ever changing mixture of things to buy.

We're still adding lectures, exhibitors and traders so please check the
website for the most up to date lists.

For further details of what is happening at the Field day please check the
show notes of this broadcast on the WIA website or go to fieldday.org.au

"Meet your Mates at Wyong 2017"!

For the Central Coast ARC, this is Ed DD5LP / VK2JI.


The following included in the text edition, not read "on-air".
Field Day details:
Name: CCARC Field Day 2017 at Wyong.
Date/Time: Sunday 26th. February 2017 from 8:30 am.
Location: Wyong Racecourse, NSW, Australia.
Car Park address: Rose Street, Wyong, NSW 2259.
Admission: $10 - Under 17 year olds, free entry with proof of age.

Wyong Field Day - Traders to date Bushcomm
Douro Services Softmark
Phaser FVP Drones & computers Oatley Electronics
Radio Supply Pty Limited Rowetel
RF Solutions
Vk4ICE Communications Tet Emtron

Wyong Field Day - Exhibitors to date ALARA
Hornsby and District Amateur Radio Club
Historical Radio Society of Australia
Kurrajong Radio Museum ROAR
VK2QSL & Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. WICEN (NSW)
Radio 50-plus 93.3 FM will be doing a live broadcast from the field day.
Check them out at http://www.fiveoplus.com.au/ SOTA

Wyong Field Day Lectures to date

Main Lecture Lecture Room 1
0915-1000 Brian Clarke VK2GCE
Title: Home AV system design and installation.


Description: Brian will be using waveguide techniques He has previously used
these techniques to design and install professional recording studio's.



1015-1100 Bernd Langer VK2IA
Title: The upcoming World Radio Championships
(WRTC) in Germany 2018.
Description: WRTC is regarded amongst contesters
as the Olympics of contesting and the next event will happen in less than
2 years. Bernd has participated as referee and competitor in past events.
Boston 2014, Moscow 2011,Slovenia 2000 and San Fransisco1996. The presentation
will include some history and then focus on WRTC 2018. Bernd is responsible
for helping with Fund raising and he will set up a stall where you can talk
further and maybe contribute. You might even like to join in the action. Come
along and get the good oil first hand.



1115-1200 Roger Harrison VK2ZRH

Title: The VHF-UHF-Microwave and Weak Signal Group Annual get-together.

Description: Short presentation of topical subjects and discussions follow.



1215-1300 Peter Young VK3MV

Title: The International Governance of Amateur Radio and the role of the IARU

Description: Peter has delivered this lecture in Hong Kong ,Tokyo and a
number of clubs in Melbourne.



1315-1400 Reece Evans

Title: Racing Drones using First Person View ( FPV)

Description: Lecture will outline the operation of drones, construction ,
costs and rules also explanation of the control and FPV using goggles and
laptop computers. Reece and his team will set up a drone race course and
4 or 5 members of the group conduct drone races throughout the day.
They will also have a stall selling very small to larger drones and
associated components.


1400-1445 Karl Humphreys

Title: JOTA 2017 coordinators meeting.
Description: A short session to finalise planning elements ensuring the smooth
operation of the on-the-air activities between the many NSW amateur radio
clubs participating in this year's Scouts Jamboree of the Air (JOTA).


TOPICS-in-a-NUTSHELL Lecture Series. Lecture Room 2
0900-1000 David Rowe
VK5DGR
Title: FreeDV (Digital Voice mode).
Description: FreeDV is a growing
set of digital voice modes for HF and VHF radio, based on the Codec 2 vocoder
and PSK/FSK modems. FreeDV is open source software, and can be run using a
laptop and sound cards, or integrated into SDR hardware. In this talk David
will introduce the latest HF and VHF FreeDV modes, explain their advantages
over closed source software for Digital Voice over Amateur Radio, and talk
about how to get started.

1000-1100 Ray Robinson VK2NO

Title: Command Set Blind Instrument Landing
Description: Ray will bring along his one and only version of the British
Command Set Receiver modified by the US air force to give them a simple yet
effective instrument landing system. As the story goes their missions were
severely curtailed because they would not fly if the ceiling on the day was
below or around 500 feet. For any who know England that was probably most days.
Come along and hear Ray's very authoritative account of the events.

1100-1130 Bob Mutton VK2ZRM

Title: A brief introduction to single board computers- focusing on Raspberry Pi.
Description: Here is a hands on approach to getting started with single
board computers. If you ever thought I would like to give it a try, don't miss this one.



1130-1200 Geoff Van der Wagen VK2AVR

Title: WebSDR how it works, sponsored by Manly Waringah Radio Society.

Description: Geoff will touch on how SDR works and Briefly focus on what WedSDR lets you do.

1200-1230 Steve Stebbing VK2AAV
Title: eBay modules for experimentation
Description: There is a plethora of little PCB mounted electronic-circuit
modules available on eBay often available for only a dollar or two. The talk
will include a short survey of what's available, have a look at a few select
ones and will focus on how these modules can be used in home-brew projects to
save time, money and often SMD soldering of tiny packages.



1230-1300 - Senior HF Radio Scientist Dr Vickal Kumar (Australian Government)
Title/description: HF related Services offered by the Australian Government
also in attendance will be Dr Murrary Parkinson from the BOM Space Weather Services.



1300-1400 Kevin Jardine VK2KVJ

Title: Home brew Modular Spectrum Analyser/Vector Network Analyser (MSA/VNA)

Description: Details the construction of a modular home brew Spectrum
Analyser/Vector Network Analyser and Tracking generator together with it's
associated Test fixtures (reflectometer, splitter, series fixture) that allow
it to perform amplitude and phase measurements between 50kHz and 3.2 GHz. It
can measure return loss, insertion loss, RLC component parameters , cable
characteristics, crystal parameters etc. It includes internal batteries to
facilitate portable measurements and is controlled by a laptop computer.
Demonstration of the equipment used and its operation.


1400-1430 Bob Hudson VK2AOR

Title: AMSAT-VK Working the LEO Satellites

Description: About satellites and how to set up a hand held antenna system
and radio's. How to join AMSAT-VK and the monthly IRLP/EchoLink Conference
server where the group talks are available worldwide.

Australian Amateur licence assessments
Licence assessments for all Australian licence grades are available.

The examinations are held in the examination centre in the jockey room
(entrance from the racecourse side, ground level) from 1:00pm. Bookings are
essential. Email vk2mp on wia.org.au for all bookings and enquiries.

ARRL U.S. Licence examinations
Get your U.S. amateur radio licence organised at the field day. Exams are
available from 9am at the exam centre. For all enquiries and bookings please
email vk2yjs at gmail.com

Foundation licence education (25th. February)
This training course, presented in the convenient one day format, prepares
you for the Foundation licence assessments (which you can take on the field
day). It is conducted at the Central Coast Amateur Radio Club's clubhouse, in
the training room on Saturday 25 February commencing at 9am. Bookings are
essential. Please email vk2mp at wia.org.au for all bookings and enquiries.


March 19 VK7 "Meet the Voice" barbecue 11:30am at Ross (vk7cl)

The BBQ and presentation of the Sewing Circle Trophy will
be held at Ross on the bank of the Macquarie River on
19th March at 1130 hrs. The last item on the agenda will be
the drawing of a raffle for a Dual Band Hand held radio which
has been donated by an anonymous donor.

One ticket will be given on payment of the $5 registration fee
and extra tickets will be on sale before the draw at $2 ea or
3 for $5. Please remember that all funds will be donated to a
Club for repeater maintenance.

Please remember the car boot sale and bring your excess gear
along to sell or swap. The car boot sale has been a feature
of the event and is a great place to pick up a bargain. If
there are sufficient numbers staying overnight on Saturday
night they may consider booking a dinner at the local Inn.

If you have a portable barbecue please bring it along
to help out the food supply for hungry amateurs at the barbecue
after the raffle draw.

Lastly, please check the website ( meetthevoice.org )and the
link can be found on the text edition of the broadcast for
this years details and previous years pics.

http://meetthevoice.org/
(73, Cedric, VK7CL)


March 26 VK3 EMDRC HamFest, Great Ryrie Primary School, Heathmont (VK3BQ)

In 2017 The Eastern and Mountain District Radio Club is 50 years Young!

On the 24th February 1967, the Eastern and mountain district
radio club held it's first ever meeting of around 50
enthusiastic members from Melbourne's eastern suburbs. The club
is marking our 50th anniversary milestone with a celebration
dinner Friday 17th February at the Box hill golf course.
Tickets are still available for this dinner and club celebration.

To mark this milestone, the club will also be activating our
special event callsign, VI50ER over the coming couple of months
and our club Hamfest is not to far away. Sunday 26th March at
the Great Ryrie primary school in Heathmont.

Head over to the EMDRC club website, http://www.emdrc.com.au/
for more information on our great club and to book tickets for
the celebration dinner.

Thanks Andrew VK3BQ - EMDRC Club President.


Ap 28-May 1 VK4 Clairview Gathering between Rockhampton and Mackay (TARC)

May 19 VK WIA AGM Hahndorf some 25km from Adelaide (vk5kc)

June 10-11 VK5 SERG Annual Convention / VK Foxhunting Champs. (vk5dj)

Sep 9-10 ALARAMEET 2017 in Cairns (vk4swe)

Nov 12 VK5 Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society HamFest 8am (vk5kc)







Submitting news items


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