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QNEWS - OCT 11 - VK4 ON AIR
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Contact QAC by HF Radio 3.605 Mondays 7:30pm after QNEWS
QAC q...@wia.org.au OVERSEES HAM RADIO MATTERS IN VK4
QNEWS newsroom qn...@wia.org.au USE TO SEND US YOUR NEWS STORIES!!
QTAC q...@wia.org.au HANDLES TECHNICAL QUERIES
QTC q...@wia.org.au 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 q...@wia.org.au
QNEWS BROADCAST OCTOBER 11 2009
2009 WIA Club President's Lunch
This is Don Wilschefski VK4BY, WIA QAC Chairman.
Registrations are being received for the 2009 WIA Club President's Lunch. So
far we have registrations from as far afield as Townsville, Rockhampton,
Maryborough and Hervey Bay.
WIA President Michael Owen, and Vice President Ewan Mcleod, will be attending,
and will address the group after lunch. The lunch will be held on Sunday, 15th
November, at the Geebung- Zillmere RSL club. This is the day after the
Gold Coast hamfest.
The Geebung Zillmere RSL club is in Newman Road Geebung, on the north side of
Brisbane. The doors will open at 11:00am, and a set lunch will be served at
12:30pm. The meal will be an alternating roast beef and roast chicken meal,
that will be served to the tables. Cost for the meal is $15- per person, to
be paid at the door.
The Wireless Institute of Australia will pay the cost of the room hire. There
will also be a bar service.
To reserve your place, please email Don Wilschefski VK4BY at q...@wia.org.au
Special dietary requirements can be catered for. If you are arriving by plane
or train, please advise, and transport to the venue may be organised.
As in previous years, the intention is for one or two representatives from
each radio club to attend. This is a good opportunity to discuss issues with
the President and Vice President of the WIA.
Numbers will be required by Monday 9th November.
I look forward to seeing you there.
GYMPIE
www.gceginc.org.au
Geoff Emery vk4zpp
With the weather bringing disasters to many parts of the Asia/Oceania
Regions we should relflect on the importance of our hobby in a greater scheme.
Going by news reports, there is severe flooding in southern India and
the Phillipines, earth quake damage in Sumatra and tsunami devestation
in Samoa and Tonga with such immense human costs. According to Jim
Linton, VK3PC, on the WIA web site, and as we heard in the national newscast
local amateurs are definitely involved in support roles in Indonesia and the
Phillipines.
It is to meet the demands of such crises that the Global Amateur Radio
Emergency Conferences have been convened. These annual meetings have
drawn on the previous s.e. Asian tsunami and the Chinese earthquakes and
the outcomes are being reviewed through at least two United Nations Agencies.
Our WIA has a committee developing a basic training course for emergency
communications which will provide a consistent level of skills to those
completing the course satisfactorily.
What this means is that as all grades of licence in Australia have
access to HF frequencies and even with poor sun spot numbers, some of
the countries affected by natural disaster are closer to northern
VK-land than our major cities are to each other, we radio amateurs can
assist in message handling and support. The reality is that our hobby is
international in reach. Can we touch another, in time of need?
Ipswich and District Radio Club
Allan Roebuck VK4FABR says in what is certain to be the season opener,
members, guests and other amateurs are invited to help Ipswich and District
Radio Club celebrate the festive season.
A special Christmas lunch is being held on Saturday November 7 at the Workers
Club in Bell Street from 11.30am to 2pm.
The venue is also known as Ipswich Trades Hall and the lunch will only cost
$13.95, plus drinks.
Payment for this event would be appreciated as soon as possible.
You can pay at any club meetings, or send a money order to
PO Box 250, Ipswich, QLD, 4305,
or contact the Secretary on 07-3282-7238 to organise payment.
Redcliffe and District Radio Club
www.redclifferadioclub.org.au/
Redcliffe and District Radio Club
Hi I am Ray VK4CF with news from Redcliffe Amateur Radio Club for QNEWS.
JOTA weekend is on the 17 & 18 October. The club will be portable at the
Murrongbong Scout camp near Petrie, north of Brisbane and will be using the
special scout callsign, VK4SMB. The club will be on most HF bands and IRLP
on 2 metres.
There will be a number of amateur radio activities to introduce our hobby to
the anticipated 400 scouts, cub, guides and rovers who will be visiting the
site. There will also be a display of historic morse code equipment.
There will be no open fires allowed at the site this year and so the ever
popular camp roast will not happen this year. So if you wish to visit the
site, look for campsite 6 and it will be BYO food & drink and the club BBQ's
will be there to assist in the cooking of food.
If you wish to stay overnight, please advise Peter VK4TAA via the club's
website. Please remember that it is BYO water, chairs & tables etc, and the
camping fees will be about $6 per night to cover the cost of toilets and fuel
for the generators. The club's leader for the weekend is Glenn VK4FZ.
Shaun VK4FY will also be assisting cubs from Aspley Scout group using the
internet.
Setting up of the campsite will occur on Friday starting about 10 am, and if
you can assist listen to the Redcliffe 2 metre repeater for further details on
Friday morning.
So until next we meet, this is Ray VK4CF and you are listening to QNEWS via
VK4WIA.
TOWNSVILLE
vk4...@wia.org.au
4773 1196 or 0408 001142
po box 333 Garbutt East, QLD 4814
www.tarc.org.au
GOOD MORNING & GREETINGS ! THIS IS DON VK4FNQA WITH NEWS FROM NORTH
QUEENSLAND.
I AM JUST RECOVERING FROM AN ATTACK OF THE CROAKS, SO APOLOGIES IN ADVANCE
IF I GO ALL CROAKY.
FIRSTLY I MUST PASS ON SOME SAD NEWS ABOUT ONE OF OUR FORMER MEMBERS.
THANKS TO PETER VK4PV, ADVICE HAS BEEN RECEIVED THAT KEN TELFORD VK8THH
WENT SILENT KEY ON FRIDAY OCTOBER 2ND AFTER A LONG BATTLE WITH CANCER.
KENS FUNERAL WAS HELD IN ALICE SPRINGS ON THURSDAY OCTOBER 8TH.
WE PASS ON DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO XYL HELEN AND FAMILY.
NOW FOR SOME GENERAL NEWS...
THERE ARE OPERATORS OUT IN THE BUSH TODAY NORTHWEST OF
TOWNSVILLE CHASING HORSIES WITH RADIOS... THE OPERATORS
ARE PROVIDING COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT FOR THE 5TH
BLUEWATER HORSE ENDURANCE RIDE DURING THE WEEKEND
AND PROVIDED ALL GOES WELL SHOULD BE FINISHING UP ABOUT 1PM TODAY.
THE TARC INC HAS THE PROJECT NIGHT HAPPENING THIS
TUESDAY EVENING FROM 7-30PM AT THE CLUB ROOMS IN GREEN
STREET WEST END. EVERYONE WELCOME TO COME ALONG AND
HELP PUT THE MAGIC SMOKE BACK INTO THE LATEST TECHNICAL PROJECT !
NOW FOR SOME REQUESTS.
JAMBOREE ON THE AIR IS HAPPENING NEXT WEEKEND AND IF
YOU WANT TO HELP OUT WITH A GROUP IN NORTH QUEENSLAND
THEN PLEASE CONTACT RICHARD VK4FRJG ON TELEPHONE 47752923 RIGHT NOW.
TARC IS VISITING THE TOWNSVILLE CHORAL AND ORCHESTRAL
SOCIETY THEATRE RESTAURANT ON FRIDAY THIRTEENTH OF NOVEMBER...
IAIN VK4IGM IS HANDLING BOOKINGS AND SEATS ARE LIMITED.
CONTACT IAIN ON TELEPHONE 47214083 RIGHT NOW.
WELL THATS ALL FOR THIS WEEK FROM TROPICAL PARADISE,
THIS IS DON VK4FNQA FOR THE TOWNSVILLE AMATEUR RADIO
CLUB INC,...
AND YOU HAVE BEEN LISTENING TO QNEWS FROM VK4WIA.
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**************************************************
- NEWS POSTING TO PACKET -
Courtesy Tony VK7AX VK7AX(AT)VK7AX.#ULV.TAS.AUS.OC
**************************************************
PAGE_END
/EX
SB NEWS @ WW $VK1WIA091011
WIANEWS - Oct 11 - VK NATIONAL NEWS
ALWAYS ENSURE ORIGINAL BID # AND TITLE ARE USED.
Packet uploads with thanks to vk7ax Tony
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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 nationaln...@wia.org.au
http://www.wia.org.au (click news in member area) Submit your audio news
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WIANEWS FOR WEEK COMMENCING OCT 11 2009.
jota information for next weekend. -
SUCCESSFUL CLUBS TAKE OUT WIA GRANTS. -
melbourne digital ham tv. -
west summatra earthquake ham activity and frequencies.-
VK6NAH REVIEWS OCT AR MAG. -
ALL UP AND COMING IN THIS EDITION OF WIANEWS WEEK COMMENCING OCT 11 2009
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JOTA From Bob VK6POP
JOTA is next weekend. Scouts and Guides worldwide will be on air trying to
contact each other. Approximately 500,000 people around the world are
involved in the Jamboree On The Air and Jamboree On the Internet every year.
You're likely to hear Scout stations operating on or adjacent to the calling
frequencies, however they are not limited to those places on the bands.
As
with any event of this nature, operators will look for a nice clear spot, or
tune around to find someone calling "CQ Jamboree".
This year there will be Australian Scouts on air using their own callsigns for
JOTA for the very first time. Congratulations to those Scouts who have gained
their license, and those who are about to.
JOTA and JOTI commence officially at midnight local time on Friday 16th
October, and finish at midnight local time Sunday 18th October.
There will be an address by Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, Governor
General of Australia, Chief Scout and Patron of Girl Guides Australia.
This is broadcast on amateur radio frequencies, usually through the WIA news
network, at 1300 local time. Please check with your local Scout people for
details in your state or territory. For those unable to listen to the
broadcast, the MP3 file may be played locally.
The address will be available for download from the usual WIA news source,
and from scouts.com.au JOTA-JOTI pages. Follow the link from "international".
The Scout calling frequencies, which can be found at www.scouts.com.au are:
International voice calling frequencies:
3.690 & 3.940 MHz,
7.090 & 7.190,
14.290
18.140
21.360
24.960
28.390
50.160
Australian voice calling frequencies:
3.650
7.090 7.190
14.190 14.290
21.190
28.590
52.160
Calling frequencies for Slow Scan TV (SSTV):
3.630
7.033
14.227
Calling Frequencies for PSK31
14.070
Next week's WIA news on the JOTA-JOTI weekend will be presented by Amateur
Radio Licensed Scouts from the Waylen Bay Sea Scout group in Perth.
Good luck with JOTA-JOTI, and thank you to all who are helping.
AMATEUR RADIO - HOME OF THE GOOD GUYS - OR " Tip of the Hat".
It makes you feel great upon learning that one interest group in Amateur
Radio makes special provision so as not to disadvantage another group.
That is exactly what has happened when a clash was discovered by the
Deutscher Amateur Radio Club with its popular Worked All Germany contest
being on the same weekend at the Jamboree On the Air - the 17th and 18th
of October.
The contest organisers have readily made the decision that there should be
contest-free frequencies to give the scout and guide stations a fair go on
the HF bands, including all of the designated World Scout Frequencies.
Well done!
The following frequencies are the contest-free zone:
80m: CW: 3560 - 3800 kHz, SSB: 3650 - 3700 kHz
40m: SSB: 7080 - 7140 kHz
20m: CW: 14060 - 14350 kHz, SSB: 14100 - 14125 kHz and 14280 - 14350 kHz
15m: SSB: 21350 - 21450 kHz
10m: SSB: 28225 - 28400 kHz
This means that all World Scout Frequencies are in the clear.
Should you encounter contest stations on the above frequencies, please advise
them of the contest-free zone. These are also mentioned on the web site of the
contest organisers at
www.darc.de/referate/dx/fgdcg.htm
(Jim Linton VK3PC-southgate-darc)
On last weeks broadcast we announced the launch of the WIA Centenary
celebrations, in recognition of the foundation of the WIA and the very start
of organised amateur radio in Australia during 1910.
Things have got off to good start, we have had a number of enquiries about
the celebrations and enquiries regarding clubs booking the VK100WIA special
event callsign, instructions and login details have been sent this week to
the secretary of each WIA affiliated club, at the address registered in the
clubs section of the WIA website. We have already received quite a number of
orders for the limited Centenary merchandise which you will find on sale under
the merchandise section of the online bookshop and via the centenary we pages
in the WIA website. Our centenary tie pins and centenary posters have arrived
and have been added to the increasing range of commemorative products on
sale.
So this week, have a think about how you and your club would like to help
celebrate the centenary and be ready to make your clubs 3 day reservation
to put the VK100WIA callsign to air.
And as we mentioned on last weeks broadcast an email address
centen...@wia.org.au has been established for all enquiries relating to the
centenary celebrations.
Townsville City Council launches Disaster Messaging Service
Townsville City Council has launched a Community Disaster Messaging Service
based on the Early Warning Network and can now provide residents with
free emergency alerts in the event of severe weather.
You can choose one or more ways to receive messages, including mobiles,
landline phones or email.
It could save your life... and protect your property.
Townsville City Council
www.townsville.qld.gov.au/community/emergency/alerts
Australian Early Warning Network
www.ewn.com.au/
Melbourne DATV goes live
The digitisation of one of the world\'s longest running fast-scan amateur
television repeaters, VK3RTV on Mt Dandenong east of Melbourne, is now
fully implemented.
The project has been in the planning for some years. When funding became
available in January this year it was full-steam ahead with German made
DVB-T commercial television standard boards being imported.
Then all of the other bits and pieces including a controller had to be built.
We reported on this broadcast the very first digital test that occurred on
the 7th of June. This was followed further tests.
Now, after more than 30 years, the VK3RTV analogue transmission has ended
to be replaced by digital.
A number of radio amateurs in the greater Melbourne and Geelong areas are
receiving it on 446.5 MHz in the 70cm band using TV set-top boxes or USB
DVB-T receivers.
Congratulations to Peter Cossins VK3BFG and others in the Melbourne ATV
Group who have made it possible.
The project is funded by Amateur Radio Victoria which acknowledges a
$1,000 contribution by the WIA through its Club Grants Program.
I'm Barry Robinson VK3PV and you're listening to VK1WIA.
VK3
The Sherbrooke community school will be making a contact with the space
station some time during the week of Monday Oct 26.
They do have limited room and to attend, you must have an invite.
However they will have a link up on VK3RBY, and VK3RML and are still hoping
to get ATV link up as well, if you can help with the ATV part could you email
VK3...@wia.org.au
or ring 9754 5862
VK4
Ipswich and District Radio Club is claiming the first Christmas party for 2009.
Allan Roebuck (VK4FABR) reports -
In what is certain to be the season opener, members, guests and other amateurs
are invited to help Ipswich and District Radio Club celebrate the festive
season.
A special Christmas lunch is being held on Saturday November 7 at the Workers
Club in Bell Street from 11.30am to 2pm.
The venue is also known as Ipswich Trades Hall and the lunch will only cost
$13.95, plus drinks.
Payment for this event would be appreciated as soon as possible.
You can pay at any club meetings, or send a money order to
PO Box 250, Ipswich, QLD, 4305,
or contact the Secretary on 07-3282-7238 to organise payment.
This is Robert VK3DN reading an item on behalf of Geoff Atkinson VK3AFA
Secretary
2009 Club Grants Announced
The WIA Board has accepted the recommendations of the 2009 Grants Committee .
Grants have been awarded totalling $5,450.00.
For 2009 the Board specified that grants would be offered for projects and
activities to be conducted before April 2010 to attract new amateurs, and for
projects that supported emergency communications.
The Grant Committee was asked to pay particular attention to the number of
WIA members in a club as a percentage the total membership of the Club when
considering the applications.
17 applications were received.
7 projects and activities to attract new amateurs were awarded grants
totalling $4050.00 as follows:
Fishers Ghost Amateur Radio Club Inc. $500.00 for amateur radio demonstrations
at the 2010 Australian Jamboree;
Redcliffe & Districts Radio Club $500.00 for equipment for JOTA activities;
Port Stephens Amateur Radio Club $500.00 to establish loan library of
Foundation books and material;
Waverley Amateur Radio Society $750.00 for a trailer fitted with antennas and
radios to promote amateur radio and for emergency use;
Sunshine Coast Amateur Radio Club Inc. $500 for GlobalSET communication,
St George Amateur Radio Society $600.00 for a data projector as a part of a
project to attract new amateurs,
Sherbrooke Community Radio Club $700.00 for the purchase of radio equipment
and literature to further an existing amateur radio training involvement with
a school.
Three projects supporting emergency communications received grants totalling
$1,400.00 as follows:
Yarra Valley Amateur Radio Group Inc. $250.00 toward replacing a trailer and
equipment destroyed in the 2009 fires;
St George Amateur Radio Society Inc. $650.00 refurbish 2 metre repeater for
emergency preparedness;
Twin Cities Radio & Electronics Club $500.00 toward stage 1 of a planned
project to build an emergency station on a trailer.
The full report of the Grant Committee which details all applications received
and the reasons for their recommendations will be placed on the WIA website.
The Board congratulates the successful applicants, and thanks all the clubs
that participated.
The Board also thanks the Committee for their work reviewing and analysing
the applications and formulating their recommendations.
(Geoff Atkinson Secretary 6/10/09)
ACMA NEWS
More 2 GHz spectrum proposed for mobile telecommunications services
The Australian Communications and Media Authority is seeking feedback from
industry and interested parties to a proposal to make further spectrum in the
2 GHz band available for mobile telecommunications services in regional and
remote areas of Australia.
The ACMA has released a discussion paper detailing the proposed public
telecommunications service (PTS) apparatus licensing arrangement to support
the coordinated deployment of mobile telecommunications infrastructure in
regional and remote areas.
Complete details on the licensing arrangements and the draft amendments to
the regulatory framework to support the proposal can be viewed on the ACMA
website.
(Media contact: Donald Robertson, Media Manager, on (02) 9334 7980)
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS With thanks to RSGB, Southgate AR Club, the ARRL,
Amateur Radio Newsline, NZART and the WW sources of the WIA.
West Sumatra Earthquake.
It is understood that a number of Amateur Radio stations are assisting in the
aftermath of the earthquake in West Sumatra.
YB5ZA is located in the Governor's office of West Sumatra province and
supports the disaster management command post. They are operating on
7.0650 MHz, 145.500 MHz and VHF repeater 146.260 MHz.
YB5ZDD is on the air using 7.065 MHz SSB from the international airport
Padang city.
Bambang Sambadi YB1TY has established an iQSO gateway via iqso.orari.net
http://unsyiah.iqso.orari.net/iqso/iqso.htm
(southgate)
SPECIAL EVENT STATION ZS3SKA
South Africa is one of two nations in the run for the erection of the largest
radio telescope in the Southern hemisphere known as the Square Kilometre Array
(SKA).
The possible site in South Africa is situated in the Northern Cape and a
start has already been made with the erection of a smaller version, which is
called Meerkat.
In order to make this project known to amateurs, nationally and
internationally, Boland and Northern Cape radio clubs will operate an amateur
station 23 to 25 October from the proposed site.
The station's call sign will be ZS3SKA and operation will be on all HF bands.
Now how about it VK6'ers? Seeing WA is the other contender what about a
club starting up VK6 SKA.
vE4HAY RE-ELERCTED RAC MIDWEST DIRECTOR
Congratulations to Derek Hay, VE4HAY, of Winnipeg who has been
re-elected as the Midwest Region Director of Radio Amateurs of Canada.
Hey ran unopposed and was declared re-elected on September 16th.
HAM RADIO PREPARES FOR WRC 2012
Ham radio is getting ready for the next major World Radiocommunication
conference slated for Geneva, Switzerland from January 23 to February 17, 2012
To get ready, Approximately 200 participants came together in an ITU
preliminary meeting that ended September 16 in Geneva. ARRL Technical
Relations Specialist Jonathan Siverling, WB3ERA, and IARU Region 1
Vice President Tafa Diop, 6W1KI, were among the participants.
Also present were the power players representing the six regional
telecommunications organizations including CITEL from the Americas.
This meeting was part of a series of ongoing international and regional
preparatory meetings to allow government and industry to address the
far-reaching and complex agenda of WRC 12.
RSGB NEWS FROM G4NJH
RSGB goes to law over PLA dispute with Ofcom
The RSGB continues to take the Power Line Adaptor compliance fight to Ofcom.
This follows Ofcom's statement on PLT/PLA on 3rd September 2009 and the RSGB's
response statement issued on 4th September 2009.
The Society has now received a formal reply from Ofcom following the
Society's earlier formal complaint to Ofcom regarding non compliant
PLAs and Ofcom's interpretation of the EMC Directive regarding these devices.
The RSGB continues to find Ofcom's responses and position totally
unacceptable and has recently instructed its lawyers to investigate a
legal challenge on the Ofcom position. The RSGB will continue the
fight to protect the radio spectrum against non-compliant devices
which cause unacceptable levels of interference, particularly to the
HF bands. We will issue further statements as the case develops.
G8CIX on the Fourth Plinth
The video showing Martin Maynard, G8CIX promoting amateur radio from
the 4th Plinth in Trafalgar Square can be seen on the web at
www.GB1AO.co.uk
The Fourth Plinth is part of a major living monument created by
sculptor Antony Gormley. Martin, G8CIX was allocated a slot on the
plinth between 16.00 and 17.00 on Friday 25th September during which
he operated GB1AO using Icom radio equipment.
NEWS FROM ARNEWSLINE
THE BPL WAR: EXPERIMENTAL BPL SYSTEM COMING TO SAN DIEGO CA.
BPL Internet access is raising its head in Southern California. This with
word that the FCC has granted a Special Temporary Authorization and the
callsign WD9XZG to PCN Technology Inc.. This to permit the company to
provide a Broadband on Power Lines communication demonstration in the San
Diego area. The STA is good from this past September 23rd and expires on
January 30th of 2010. It permits PCN Technology the right to operate a
limited BPL Internet access system from 3 to 30 MHz including any ham radio
bands that might be affected. The FCC says that this Special Temporary
Authorization is granted upon the express condition that it may be
terminated by the Commission at any time without prior notice to PCN
Technology Inc. or anyone using the experimental system for Internet
access. Hams in and around the San Diego area will want to keep their eyes
on their S-meters and ears on background noise to see what if any impact
this BPL system might have on their ability to communicate. (CGC, FCC)
THE BPL WAR: RSGB MAY SUE OVER BPL POWER LINE ADAPTERS
The battle over the use of data transfer Power Line Adapters in the UK
looks set to escalate. This, with a threat of legal proceedings looming by
that nations national amateur radio society.
Power Line Adapters are a BPL distribution system that use the AC power
mains power to supply broadband communications around a house or
building,. Unfortunately they also cause severe interference to the HF
Radio Spectrum over a wide area of up to 300 meters.
The Radio Society of Great Britain has been fighting against the
introduction of this technology. It now appears ready to mount a legal
challenge over the UK telecommunications regulator Ofcom's position
allowing the use of these devices to be widely used.
And in a position statement made public on Wednesday, September 30th the
RSGG is quoted as saying that it continues to find Ofcom's responses and
position regarding Power Line Adapters as being totally unacceptable. As
such the national society has recently instructed its lawyers to
investigate a legal challenge on the Ofcom position.
NEW HIGH EFFICIENCY SOLAR CELLS DEVELOPED
Turning to the emerging technology page, an Electronics Weekly article
reports that Belgian researchers have taken another step towards creating a
new generation of mechanically-stacked triple junction solar cells. These
new cells are expected to eventually become the most efficient available.
According to the article in a triple junction cell, each junction is tuned
to absorb a different part of the solar spectrum, with the upper layers
designed to be transparent to wavelengths absorbed in the lower
layers. This is similar to the way many colour films were made prior to the
advent of digital photography. The researchers say that this broad
coverage of the spectrum is why high efficiencies are obtained.
This is the first promising demonstration of this new stacking technology
which is expected to produce cells with efficiencies above 40%. The
complete article on this new is at
www.electronicsweekly.com/Articles/2009/09/23/47021/imec-opens-door-f...
ecord-breaking-solar-cells.htm
TALK SHOW HOST WANTS SAT HAMS
Broadcaster Ted Randall, WB8PUM, host of the shortwave broadcast QSO Radio
Show, is looking for ham radio satellite operators who are interested in
talking about their personal experiences in satellite communication to
contact him. He is specifically in need of someone who can take an entry
level approach to explain satellites to the new and young hams listening to
his weekly broadcasts. If you think you can help, please contact Ted by
e-mail to tedrandall (at) kaij (dot) us. More about the QSO Radio Show is
on-line at www.tedrandall.com
NEW HAM ASTRONAUT IS KF5DBF
Another astronaut has gotten her ham radio license. Mission specialist
Tracy Caldwell recently passed her amateur radio license exam and has been
issued the callsign KF5DBF.
Caldwell, who is a PH.D, was born in Arcadia, California and enjoys sports,
hiking, and auto maintenance.
She is scheduled to fly with Expedition 23 in April 2010.
OPERATIONAL NEWS -
ON AIR CONTEST COLUMN - D A T E L I N E 2009
OCT 10 - 11 OCEANIA CONTESTS - CW
OCT 24 - 25 CQ WORLD WIDE SSB
NOV 1 ZL STRAIGHT KEY NIGHT
NOV 28 - 29 VK SPRING VHF-UHF FIELD DAY
NOV 28 - 29 CQ WORLD WIDE CW
SPECIAL EVENTS AND ON AIR CONTEST COLUMN - D A T E L I N E 2010
March 21-22 John Moyle Field Day
SPECIAL EVENT CALLS, 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
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
VR 2009 EAG The 5th East Asian Games Hong Kong Till Dec 31
YL 90 AIR 90yrs of Latvian Air Force Till Dec 31
Special Event Stations
Participate in the special event activity The 100th Birthday of
"Dar Pomorza" on the AIR, one of the most famous and best-known
Polish sailing vessel's DAR POMORZA and one of the most distinguishable
three-masters White Frigate in the world.
This event is organized by Roman, SQ2RH with co-operation of the Central
Marine Museum in Gdansk and the Marine Communications Club SP2ZIE "Schooner"
acting at the Marine Academy in Gdynia.
A special event station SN100DP will be activated until UTC October 11th.
This from the deck of the White Frigate.
More details about this activity you may find on special dedicated web pages:
www.sq2rh.it2.pl/sn100dp/sn100dp_about.html
and on
www.qrz.com/db/sm100dp
(de Roman, SQ2RH via vk3ki)
OH2HAN and OH3DF will be on the air portable 9 from the Arctic Amethyst
Mine in Luosto, Lapland, from October 15th to the 18th. Operation will be
on the H-F bands using SSB and RTTY. A special QSL will be available via
the operators home callsigns.
Lastly, F6AXX and F6HBR will be active from Cambodia as XU7UFT between
December 3rd through the 8th. This operation will be C-W only on the H-F
bands. QSL via F6AXX, by the bureau or direct with a self addressed
envelope and return postage. Look for direct QSLs to be answered after
January 15th, 2010.
Just to remind you about the Seanet Convention which is fast approaching.
It is a convention where you can meet friends from all over the world
www.sabah.net.my/seanet/seanet_2009.htm
SEANET 2009 CONVENTION IN SEOUL, KOREA will operate as HL09SEA
23 Oct until 27 Oct in Seoul, Korea it is organised by Korea Amateur Radio
League, and Korea Ladies Amateur Radio Club with support by Ministry of
Korea Communication Commission, Korea Tourism Cooperation. City of Seoul.
INTRUDER WATCH - ENFORCEMENT ZONE
Carl, N4AA, editor of "QRZ DX, sent out the following press release:
"Hello DXers:
This is a SPECIAL BULLETIN and the following will reveal why.
I have been contacted by a person (who I will NOT name) who has the
capability to pin point (very accurately) the source of an on the air
signal. What I am saying is this person has the professional equipment
and the expertise to monitor a signal on the ham bands and determine to
a very narrow area where that signal is coming from.
Apparently there is a pirate on 10114 signing FT5GA.
That signal was NOT coming from Glorioso, it was coming from QUEBEC in CANADA,
NNE of Montreal.
On two other days pirate signals were monitored signing FT5GA, one was
coming from LATVIA and the other from the SOUTH COAST OF SICILY.
These pirates should be relatively easy for 'local' DXers to find. They
need to be specifically identified and pressure brought to bear on them
to cease their deliberate and illegal activities.
The 'source' that I mentioned above will continue to provide periodic
reports like this, and I will continue to publish the locations of these
irresponsible persons. I ask for those within the areas identified pay
particular attention and use whatever means are available to them to put
a stop to these activities.
Your cooperation with the identification of these pirates will be
appreciated by all of us."
(Tnx: ARRL Bulletin)
BBC Radio 4 - Wireless Interference
The BBC Radio 4 show Click On, first broadcast on Monday Oct 5, and now on
the web, featured an item on interference to Wi-Fi Networks from household
appliances
Click On describes the item as:
Household appliances such as cordless phones and baby monitors can interfere
with home networks. Adrian Wagstaffe, author of an OFCOM report about
wireless congestion, helps Simon solve his home wireless problems.
Click On Series 5 Episode 1 can be heard at
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00n0qr6
The Wireless Interference item starts 10 minutes into the show.
THE QNEWS WORK BENCH - the nuts and volts report -
(Measure twice - Cut once!)
Wi-Fi signals used to see through walls
Monday's edition of the UK Telegraph reports that scientists at the University
of Utah in the United States have found a way to harness Wi-Fi signals to
'see' through solid walls.
The researchers say that the variation of radio signals in a wireless network
can reveal the movements of people behind closed doors or even a wall.
Joey Wilson and Neal Patwari, from the University of Utah, have used the
principle of variance-based radio tomographic imaging. The system works by
measuring interference between the nodes of wireless devices. If someone
passes through that field, the device registers a change in the levels of
resistance, and feeds that information back to a computer.
The system can currently see about three feet through a wall, and is so far
only capable of sensing motion. At this stage, it is not sophisticated enough
to generate an actual image of what lies beyond the wall, but the research
team is confident that this feature could be developed in time.
You can read the full article 'Wi-Fi signals used to see through walls' at:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/6254646/Wi-Fi-signals-used...
see-through-walls.html
MEDIA WATCH
www.wiaq.com/admin/uploads/weeklytally.rtf
www.cq-amateur-radio.com/WorldRadio.html
Amateur Radio Magazine Previews
October 2009
Amateur Radio for October is already out. Look for the Scout on the cover,
talking to her mates on her hand-held. And that is because the Scouts and
Guides will be holding their annual Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) Friday 16 till
Sunday 18 here in VK.
JOTA will involve around half a million Scouts and Guides. It will also
involve many of the adult amateur fraternity, who give hundreds of hours of
support to JOTA every year. One of these is Bob Bristow VK6POP, who we heard
from earlier in this newscast, well VK6POP writes on page 22 to tell
everyone how they can become involved. Foundation Licence holders, too.
And don't miss the promotion picture inside the front cover.
For a while now, we have been aiming to get the magazine to you by the first
of every month, and you will have noticed that we are hitting that target,
plus or minus a day or two, on a regular basis.
Check out page 1 for a special article on the WIA Centenary. President Michael
Owen VK3KI explains the plans for nation-wide celebrations by Radio Clubs next
year. Look for the special Centenary logo - something you will see a lot of
during 2010. And note the unique callsign, VK100WIA. Then turn to page 8 for
more on the Centenary - history, logo design and special merchandise. The
Centenary polo shirt is pictured. WIA has a dedicated Committee working to
make all this happen.
For the older generation of amateur radio operators, who can remember when
home-brewing was common, there is an article about the HB10, a valve
transceiver built in the 1950s. The article (and the transceiver) are by
Bruce Kidgell VK3BMK who recently resurrected and lovingly restored this
50 year-old veteran. On page 4, read about what it took to find and fix the
glitches - strictly hardware, no software here!
The Hamads are a free service to WIA members that has been provided by
Amateur Radio for decades. You will still find them presented near the back
of the magazine but what has changed is the lodgement method. Check the new
details on page 54 - one of several improvements that your Publications
Committee is gradually introducing to the magazine.
Read the inspiring article by Mike Charteris VK4QS on page 12. Mike looks
back as well as forward, convinced that gaining his Amateur Operator's Licence
was the best thing that ever happened to him. He wonders if a system of
on-air mentors might be a good way to spread technical know-how, and the love
of it that he has enjoyed.
Don't forget the regular columns presented every month by Amateur Radio.
They are all written by experts in their fields and keep you up-to-date on
your special interest.
For example, Contests are covered on page 41, DX News & Views on page 44
and an interesting article on AMSAT (satellites) at page 49.
And there is news from all the Clubs around Australia.
(tom potter vk3ubs)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- ATV (Every pixel tells a story) - Video
arvideonews.com
hamradiotube.com
youtube.com
North West Tas. Amateur Television Group 2 Meter Repeater VK7RTV now
operational.
The Club is proud to announce that it's 2 Metre Repeater VK7RTV on 146.775
located at it's Gawler Site was commissioned on Monday 21st. September.
Please note that the repeater does not have a conventional control unit at
this time. For the moment it has software enabled time out and automatic ID
beaconing every 10 Minutes.
IRLP Node 6616 has been switched on to the repeater and appears to be
functioning OK.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO SCOUTING
http://www.scouts.com.au
http://www.scout.org/jota
http://www.international.scouts.com.au
CALLING FREQUENCIES
Please QSY off the calling frequency after establishing communication.
Australian voice calling frequencies:
3.650, 7.090, 14.190, 21.190, 28.590, 52.160
World CW calling frequencies:
3.570, 7.030, 14.060, 18.080, 21.140, 24.910, 28.180, 50.160
World voice calling frequencies:
3.690 & 3.940 MHz, 7.090 & 7.190, 14.290, 18.140, 21.360,
24.960, 28.390, 50.160
Calling frequencies for Slow Scan TV (SSTV):
3.630, 7.033, 14.227
Calling Frequencies for PSK31
14.070
Mackay Amateur radio assoc will be operating in JOTA from Rowellan Park
scout Grounds with call sign VK4SMK ON SATURDAY only 17th October
JOTA/JOTI Weekend
The NWT-ATV Group at this stage plan to hold Camps at Burnie Scout Hall,
Paton Park, Ulverstone and Camp Boomerang Port Sorrel.
It is planned to operate on RF and IRLP Nodes 6616 / EchoIRLP 467772 and
IRLP Node 6124.
EchoIRLP 152375 will be linked to the Repeaters throughout the activities.
It is planned to demonstrate to the scouts and cubs the aprs beaconing &
mapping of shipping movements between Tasmania and mainland VK by Jim VK7JH.
Promotion and education of Amateur Radio will be a feature at the camps this
year with educational kits made available to the scouting fraternity.
(Tony VK7AX, News Officer NWT-ATV Group)
AO-51 configuration to support Scouting JOTA
AMSAT-NA is supporting the 52nd Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) Scouting event by
dedicating AO-51 operation to the event.
For October 17th and 18th, the AO-51 QRP repeater will be allocated for
JOTA use. All users are requested to give way to JOTA stations or QSOs with
JOTA stations.
The frequencies used for this weekend will be 145.880 FM uplink, and
435.150 FM downlink, no PL tone required. The mode change should occur at
00:00 UTC on the 17th and run for approximately 48 hours.
AMSAT wishes the Scouts good luck operating via the AO-51 satellite for the
event.
Reports of your JOTA operations should be sent to the AMSAT-BB or directly to
ko...@amsat.org.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RESCUE RADIO
EMERGENCY FREQUENCIES ALL REGIONS
21.360 - 18.160 - 14.300 - 7.060 - 3.760 MHz.
REGION 2 TRY ALSO 3.985 - 7.240 - 7.290
WICEN Tasmania (South) will be providing comms on October 16-18 for the
St Helens endurance ride checkpoints.
Base is at St Helens Sports Complex with checkpoints between Goshen and
Taylors Beach (Bay of Fires)
Ride starts 07:00 Saturday. Survey and set up Friday 14:00.
Hopefully, this will be a dress rehearsal for the Tom Quilty Gold Cup
national championships in 2012.
Hope to also set up an HF JOTA station.
http://www.aera.asn.au/teera/Ride%20Information.htm#St%20Helens
http://tas.wicen.org.au/
(Roger Nichols VK7ARN, Secretary - WICEN Tasmania (South) Inc.)
SOCIAL SCENE
2009
International Telecommunication Union's Telecom World 2009.
OCT 11 VK3
Shepparton and District Amateur Radio Club's communications and display day
(Hamfest), St Augustine's Hall Orr Street Shepparton.
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/
OCT 25 VK3
Ballarat Amateur Radio Group Annual Hamvention, new location of Ballarat
Greyhound Racing Track, off Rubicon Street.
All the usual traders of new gear will be in attendance as well as the very
popular pre-loved displays.
Food and drinks will be available on the premises
Doors open for trading at 10.00am, and entry fee is still $6.00.
The new location has huge off street parking.
For more information and table bookings contact
hamvent...@barg.org.au
Oct 31 - Nov 1
Qld Sunshine Coast's October Camp Catch-up Maidenwell Observatory
Brisbane valley west of Yarraman.
NOV 1 VK2
Westlakes Amateur Radio Club's "Westlakes Field Day".
NOV 15 VK4
QUEENSLAND CLUBS "PRESIDENTS LUNCH" GEEBUNG RSL
2010
JAN 24 VK2
Mid North Coast Amateur Radio Group's Radio Expo 2010 8.30am St Johns Church
Hall, Mc Lean Street Coffs Harbour.
FEBRUARY 14 VK3
WIA 100 Centre Victoria RadioFest No. 3.
FEBRUARY 28
Wyong Field Day, Wyong Race Course.
APRIL 2 VK3
Midland Amateur Radio Club's Radio, Electronic & Astronomy Expo.
Venue to be advised.
JUNE 5 VK2
Oxley Region Amateur Radio Club's 35th Annual Field Day.
JULY 17 VK3
GGREC Hamfest Start Time : 10:00
NOV 7 VK5
2010 Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society Hamfest Rosa St Goodwood
2012
JAN 23-FEB 17 YEAR 2012
World Radio Conference WRC-11 Geneva 23rd January TO 17th February 2012
MAY 4-7 2012 VK5
YL International 2012 Australia (vk5...@bigpond.com)
Please think of the environment before printing this email
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Societies and Club News Letter Editors can EXCHANGE a feed prior to
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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,
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...
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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